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Write That Novel!
Unleash the novel within! If you've ever had a good idea for a novel, but were unsure where to begin or can't figure out how to keep going once you've started, this one's for you.
Karen McQuestion, bestselling author whose novels have sold more than a million copies worldwide, delivers advice for crafting a novel from the first word to the last line. Introducing straightforward strategies learned in writing more than a dozen novels, McQuestion’s Write That Novel will spark your creativity and put the joy back into the writing process
Karen McQuestion, bestselling author whose novels have sold more than a million copies worldwide, delivers advice for crafting a novel from the first word to the last line. Introducing straightforward strategies learned in writing more than a dozen novels, McQuestion’s Write That Novel will spark your creativity and put the joy back into the writing process
144 pages, Paperback
Published March 26, 2016
46 people are currently reading
1066 people want to read
About the author
Karen McQuestion
52 books2,650 followersKaren McQuestion is an Amazon Charts bestselling author whose books have sold over three million copies. Some of her titles include The Moonlight Child, Dovetail, and A Limited Run.
Her publishing story has been covered by the Wall Street Journal, Entertainment Weekly, and NPR. Additionally she appeared on ABC's World News Now and America This Morning.
Her website:www.karenmcquestion.com\
Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Karen-M...
Her publishing story has been covered by the Wall Street Journal, Entertainment Weekly, and NPR. Additionally she appeared on ABC's World News Now and America This Morning.
Her website:www.karenmcquestion.com\
Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Karen-M...
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 15, 2019
I'm not in the market to become a writer, but I love books, stories and reading and I guess that's why I enjoy craft books about writing so much.
I knew Karen McQuestion's books from way back when I received my first Kindle 2 as a gift and still was about to discover the wonderful world of being able to browse for books any time, anywhere and download them immediately. On top of that, these books were exceptionally cheap! (When I was a student I often couldn't afford novels in English, because they were more expensive than the German ones. But that was before the Internet. This was your local bookshop with a selection of 10 books in the foreign literature section). McQuestion offered some of those very cheap early Kindle downloads and I ended up reading three of her novels. Forward 10 years and I stumble across her writing advice book in my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
The title reflects the overall tone of the book: if you're a closet writer who needs some encouragement to write, Karen McQuestion definitely has some reassuring words for you. Illustrated by her own story of how she not only struggled for years dealing with not-always-so-helpful literary agents and rejections from traditional publishers, but also how it took her some courage to take that step and say: I'm a writer and yes! I want to write! is very inspiring and amusing to read.
She makes it clear that this book is based on her experience alone and that the experience of another writer could be a very different one. The actual writing advice is perhaps left a bit sketchy. If you're expecting in-depth analysis of plot structures and how to edit your work, this is not the book for you.
But if you're looking for the point of view of an approachable writer who knows that her work is unlikely to appear in the literary canon of future generations, but who enjoys not only writing, but writing the way she wants to, this short book is definitely worth reading.
Depending on where you are in your writing career, some of her tips might be either obvious or enlightening, but I found a lot of them very practical. Like dealing with bad reviews or how to write a book description or choose a book title.
This is a nice little book that once more let me appreciate the work that authors put into their books and has given me a bit of insight into the (self-)publishing world as well.
I knew Karen McQuestion's books from way back when I received my first Kindle 2 as a gift and still was about to discover the wonderful world of being able to browse for books any time, anywhere and download them immediately. On top of that, these books were exceptionally cheap! (When I was a student I often couldn't afford novels in English, because they were more expensive than the German ones. But that was before the Internet. This was your local bookshop with a selection of 10 books in the foreign literature section). McQuestion offered some of those very cheap early Kindle downloads and I ended up reading three of her novels. Forward 10 years and I stumble across her writing advice book in my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
The title reflects the overall tone of the book: if you're a closet writer who needs some encouragement to write, Karen McQuestion definitely has some reassuring words for you. Illustrated by her own story of how she not only struggled for years dealing with not-always-so-helpful literary agents and rejections from traditional publishers, but also how it took her some courage to take that step and say: I'm a writer and yes! I want to write! is very inspiring and amusing to read.
She makes it clear that this book is based on her experience alone and that the experience of another writer could be a very different one. The actual writing advice is perhaps left a bit sketchy. If you're expecting in-depth analysis of plot structures and how to edit your work, this is not the book for you.
But if you're looking for the point of view of an approachable writer who knows that her work is unlikely to appear in the literary canon of future generations, but who enjoys not only writing, but writing the way she wants to, this short book is definitely worth reading.
Depending on where you are in your writing career, some of her tips might be either obvious or enlightening, but I found a lot of them very practical. Like dealing with bad reviews or how to write a book description or choose a book title.
This is a nice little book that once more let me appreciate the work that authors put into their books and has given me a bit of insight into the (self-)publishing world as well.
May 30, 2024
This book provides ideas on how to possibly write a novel. But as the author says each individual who writes a book has a different opinion and its best to discover one’s own. I simply read this book for some inspiration on writing.
May 13, 2016
Her novel, A Scattered Life, was the first self-published Kindle novel to be optioned for a film. That made me want to find out how she did it and in this book, Karen McQuestion shares her history and her secrets.
Great story about the heroine triumphing over the establishment. Great tips on how to get started as a novelist.
I recommend this to all the people who've seen my book and said, "I always wanted to write a book too."
Great story about the heroine triumphing over the establishment. Great tips on how to get started as a novelist.
I recommend this to all the people who've seen my book and said, "I always wanted to write a book too."
March 17, 2018
Very Helpful
Thank you so much Karen for a great back story of your author beginnings but especially all the fantastic advice, pertinent information written in an interesting style. I am an amateur writer of many book reviews and monthly church newsletters. They might be improved since I received and perused this Goodreads Kindle Giveaway.
Thank you so much Karen for a great back story of your author beginnings but especially all the fantastic advice, pertinent information written in an interesting style. I am an amateur writer of many book reviews and monthly church newsletters. They might be improved since I received and perused this Goodreads Kindle Giveaway.
May 29, 2020
Informational and inspirational. This was just what I needed to nudge me in the direction I wanted to go. Leap and the net will appear! Thanks, Karen.
May 11, 2021
This was probably one of the most inspiring books on writing. Karen McQuestion's personal writing journey is a story of extreme perseverance in doing what she loved no matter how many times she was rejected. I was thinking just how many times I would have given up... but she didn't and then went the self-publishing route and is now a successful author.
I am not sure how I stumbled on her books, but what a story.
She also addresses something that I don't see other writers address very often (or at all) - the writing style. One agent called her writing style "truncated".
She says: "I read other authors’ books with envy and think they’re the equivalent of Michelangelo while I’m Grandma Moses at best. Knowing I don’t measure up makes me feel like I shouldn’t even bother. And then I think, Snap out of it—there’s nothing wrong with being like Grandma Moses! After all, she’s a renowned American folk artist. People love her nostalgic depictions of simple farm life and rural landscapes. It’s just a different style. Not everyone can be like Michelangelo."
I think many of us feel this at some point. But staying true to ourselves is what we need to be. And keep writing. Just like she did. She finished one novel after another without having a single one published. Now, that is an inspiring story, especially for those of us who are never quite done with that one novel we are writing.
Highly recommended.
I am not sure how I stumbled on her books, but what a story.
She also addresses something that I don't see other writers address very often (or at all) - the writing style. One agent called her writing style "truncated".
She says: "I read other authors’ books with envy and think they’re the equivalent of Michelangelo while I’m Grandma Moses at best. Knowing I don’t measure up makes me feel like I shouldn’t even bother. And then I think, Snap out of it—there’s nothing wrong with being like Grandma Moses! After all, she’s a renowned American folk artist. People love her nostalgic depictions of simple farm life and rural landscapes. It’s just a different style. Not everyone can be like Michelangelo."
I think many of us feel this at some point. But staying true to ourselves is what we need to be. And keep writing. Just like she did. She finished one novel after another without having a single one published. Now, that is an inspiring story, especially for those of us who are never quite done with that one novel we are writing.
Highly recommended.
November 1, 2020
Write that Novel by Karen McQuestion is part memoir, part writing advice. She takes aspiring writers on her journey to published author and offers real advice from idea to publication. She has experienced it all from literary agents that were getting her nowhere to finally self-publishing and having such success that she is able to publish her novels on a regular basis. From Dos and Don’ts to the writing process, story elements, and publication and marketing, Ms. McQuestion gives insights into writing a novel that aspiring writers may not know or think about. I’ve read other writing advice books, even ones she suggests aspiring writers read as well, and I like her fun explanations and insights into her own process. I am a new fan to Ms. McQuestion’s books, and I love her fun, sweet and endearing stories. The type of books I love to read and hope to write. I will be using Write That Novel as a guide and inspiration as I write my own stories. If you have ever thought about writing your own novel, I highly recommend picking up Write that Novel!
Write that Novel is available in paperback and eBook
Write that Novel is available in paperback and eBook
April 16, 2018
I won this book on Goodreads and will give it a fair and honest review.
McQuestion wrote an excellent book on how to start writing a novel.
This was part memoir since McQuestion took us through her own difficulties in starting to write and in getting her writing published. I enjoyed reading that section and learned something about author/agent relationships and the option of self-publishing.
Once past the memoir portion I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the craft of writing. I especially enjoyed reading about writer's insomnia since I suffer from that myself. (It was nice to know I wasn't the only one). The two chapters on branding and reading your reviews and what to learn from them were also helpful.
Lastly, I appreciate that McQuestion is willing to share other author's books on the craft of writing. I will be reading those too.
Overall, worth a read if you're even thinking of taking up writing.
McQuestion wrote an excellent book on how to start writing a novel.
This was part memoir since McQuestion took us through her own difficulties in starting to write and in getting her writing published. I enjoyed reading that section and learned something about author/agent relationships and the option of self-publishing.
Once past the memoir portion I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the craft of writing. I especially enjoyed reading about writer's insomnia since I suffer from that myself. (It was nice to know I wasn't the only one). The two chapters on branding and reading your reviews and what to learn from them were also helpful.
Lastly, I appreciate that McQuestion is willing to share other author's books on the craft of writing. I will be reading those too.
Overall, worth a read if you're even thinking of taking up writing.
October 14, 2017
There are many debates between using an agent to pursue a publishing contract and self-publishing. Author McQuestion has done both. She began self-publishing with the Amazon feature was in its infancy. Her story is a brief overview and pitfalls of agents, editors, and self-publishing. Little nuggets that provide perspective and are relevant to those ride the fence between the two routes. Overall, the book encourages readers to write their own book regardless of whether it is publishable.
February 17, 2018
Decent/quick read
I’ve felt a calling to write and like anyone else who has felt the same calling, I went searching for a book about it. Came across this one and could not put it down. I enjoyed reading about the authors perspective and experience. Now, time to find another book to compare (or maybe I should actually start writing?).
I’ve felt a calling to write and like anyone else who has felt the same calling, I went searching for a book about it. Came across this one and could not put it down. I enjoyed reading about the authors perspective and experience. Now, time to find another book to compare (or maybe I should actually start writing?).
June 9, 2021
To the point
Having just finished Dovetail & loving that book, then seeing that the writer was from WI(my home state)I bought this book and wasn't disappointed. The book is geared for writing a novel, but I was able to get ideas for a children's book and marketing. Maybe someday even write a novel.
Having just finished Dovetail & loving that book, then seeing that the writer was from WI(my home state)I bought this book and wasn't disappointed. The book is geared for writing a novel, but I was able to get ideas for a children's book and marketing. Maybe someday even write a novel.
September 11, 2021
Excellent and easy read on writing
I discovered Karen McQuestion’s fiction works this year and became a fan. I’m an aspiring writer working on my first novel and was happy to see this from her. The book provides good advice and paints her journey as an aspiring writer who became a very good one. Definitely recommend and look forward to seeing more from her.
I discovered Karen McQuestion’s fiction works this year and became a fan. I’m an aspiring writer working on my first novel and was happy to see this from her. The book provides good advice and paints her journey as an aspiring writer who became a very good one. Definitely recommend and look forward to seeing more from her.
August 3, 2024
Inspiring and Motivating. Karen McQuestion's story of her own success and the practical writing tips she generously provides within this book will inspire and motivate any new or disillusioned writer. After reading it, I'm both encouraged, energized, and ready to employ some new writing techniques, much as if I'd had a session with a book coach or a conversation with an empathic friend!
February 14, 2018
Part writing memoir, part writing advice book, this book is a quick and good read for the beginner novelist. It explains how Karen McQuestion got started on her writing journey and how you, too, can get started on yours.
*Won through Goodreads giveaways
*Won through Goodreads giveaways
February 20, 2018
Absolutely what I have been looking for!
The language of this book is down-to-earth, plainly spoken. I am impressed with how Karen was able to weave her own experiences into a complete lesson on book writing. I am appreciative for all the valid information.
The language of this book is down-to-earth, plainly spoken. I am impressed with how Karen was able to weave her own experiences into a complete lesson on book writing. I am appreciative for all the valid information.
February 22, 2018
*The* best book on writer's craft that I've ever read. Simple, short, to-the-point advice, with great examples to make it clear. And written with "heart" -- honesty and genuineness. Really, buy this book.
January 5, 2023
I can relate!!
I loved every word, but my favorite parts were the true stories she told about her own writer’s journey. I could relate in so many ways!! Thank you for the inspiration.
I loved every word, but my favorite parts were the true stories she told about her own writer’s journey. I could relate in so many ways!! Thank you for the inspiration.
September 1, 2019
I found the book to be interesting and insightful.
Lots of snippets I’d never thought of, as well as speaking from experience!
I got from it, exactly what I wanted to know and a bit more.
Lots of snippets I’d never thought of, as well as speaking from experience!
I got from it, exactly what I wanted to know and a bit more.
June 1, 2021
This book is a great resource for anyone considering writing a novel or already have. Well written and informative. A must read.
March 26, 2018
Interesting and relatable.
Received free from goodreads
Received free from goodreads
February 26, 2017
Finished-pretty good book. I loved hearing about her writing journey. I’m surprised she kept with it and thankful for her openness. It makes me glad that I am a writer in this time of the self-publishing.
September 26, 2023
Write That Novel!: You know you want to... by Karen McQuestion -- During the process of organizing my tbr pile, I found several that I had won in giveaways and never read. Not gonna lie, this I put off reading this one because I have dozens of partially finished novels sitting on my computer making me feel guilty! So if you want a little motivation, here you go! Happy Reading!
June 2, 2016
I read this amusing, informative and generous book in one sitting.
I could relate to the author's long and difficult journey to indie publication and discovered a wealth of encouragement and useful advice throughout.
A very worthwhile read!
I could relate to the author's long and difficult journey to indie publication and discovered a wealth of encouragement and useful advice throughout.
A very worthwhile read!
June 4, 2016
I got this book from a Goodreads giveaway. I feel like it was more of a memoir than a book of writing tips. It was a quick, easy read; I just wish I had learned something new from it.
March 30, 2017
Write That Novel was a positive and encouraging book to read for writers. It was interesting to hear about Karen McQuestion's process. The formula for writing a book description was worth the price of this book alone. Quick and insightful read.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews